Osaka, Japan Senior Member 2,805Please feel free to correct any words I write. LiJ Absolutely true. Veteran Member 18,021   ". . . le plaisir delicieux et toujours nouveau d'une occupation inutile." - Henri de Regnier Thanks, Avangi. I have to practice.  Osaka, Japan Senior Member 2,805Please feel free to correct any words I write. LiJ I'll admit, when I'm reading aloud from the page I may be inclined to purse my lips a bit before beginning the "wr" sound, but when speaking ad lib "wrap the present" I'm sure I don't; and I'm sure the listener couldn't detect the difference anyway. Veteran Member 18,021 ". . . le plaisir delicieux et toujours nouveau d'une occupation inutile." - Henri de Regnier If there's any difference, it's impossible for me to pronounce!!!  Osaka, Japan Senior Member 2,805Please feel free to correct any words I write. LiJ w is always silent in word-initial wr. write = rite wrap = rap wrack = rack wrest = rest wrote = rote wring = ring wrung = rung I have no idea why, but many non-native speakers want to substitute a g for the w, saying grite, grap, grack, etc. Don't!!! Make yourself believe that the initial w is not even there! (And of course w is silent in the words sword, answer, who and whole.) Note also the following word-initial combinations where the first letter is silent. kn = n -- knit, knight, knot gn = n -- gnash, gnaw pn = n -- pneumatic, pneumonia ps = s -- psychic, psychology And the following word-final combinations where the last letter is silent. mb = m -- lamb, limb, dumb, crumb mn = m -- autumn, solemn, column CJ "There are no facts, only interpretations" - Nietzsche I actually tended to pronounce those silent words! Now I think my pronounciation has improved! Thanks, CJ. Osaka, Japan Senior Member 2,805Please feel free to correct any words I write. LiJ | |
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